Jonathan Wall

9.0

Good but conflicted. I never experienced this: one sip would be spectacular, embodying expectations of Napa cab... the next disappointing (slight "pool water")... and then great... cycling back and forth until it had long enough to breathe into ok. The good sips I'd rate a 9.2 the not so great an 8.8... so I'll give it a 9. I should try another to test... but I'm onto the next wine. Kudo's for being Merryvale's sustainable solar winery. — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Grabbed another bottle! Wine bears the vineyard named to honor the Red-shouldered Hawks and other birds of prey that play a vital role in sustainable farming practices. Bright yellow with aromas of tropical fruits and sweet floral scents. Aged for 14 months, 75% in new French oak and 25% in stainless. On the palate melon, pineapple and peach flavors and hints of citrus, subtle yet complex and well balanced. Lingering finish, savory, ending with mineral tones and toasty oak. Outstanding! — 6 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

The 14 is a blend of 77% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc & 7% Merlot. Nose of; ruby dark cassis, blackberries, black plum, dark cherries, black raspberries, hues of blue fruits, pepper and liquid violets. The mouthfeel is lush & ruby. M+ body & M+ tannins. Blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries and hues of blue fruits. Crushed rocks, soft leather, dry herbs, underbrush, loamy soil powder, notes of cigar, violets, dark florals, nice acidity and beautifully round, lush finish with sex appeal. Photos of; an aerial view of Pepper Bridge, estate grapes going through veraison, Owner-Norm McKibben, and ground shot of the estate. Producer notes and history...Norm McKibben is one of founding fathers of Walla Walla's wine industry. To his good friends and colleagues, he is better know as "Stormin' Norman." In Norm's 30 plus years in Walla Walla, the valley has evolved from a 40 vineyard acres to an appellation with more than 2,800 acres under vine. A good portion of the boom can be attributed to Norm even after coming to the game late after working for several decades as an engineer in the construction industry. Not wanting to retire after, he moved to Walla Walla to become an apple farmer. In 1989, he realized Walla Walla's potential for grape growing. Norm planted his first vineyard with help from his wife, Virginia and their eldest son, Shane. Two years later, Norm added Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. These vines soon became the backbone of Pepper Bridge. Not long after he expanded his business and resume further. Norm got involved in the budding wine industry. He served as a partner and director at Canoe Ridge Vineyards, Hogue Cellars and worked with a number of Walla Walla's leading vintners. In 1996, he partnered with Gary Figgins of Leonetti Cellar and Marty Clubb of L'Ecole No. 41. At this point, McKibben had increased his vineyard holdings to 200 acres. In 1998, Norm officially started Pepper Bridge Winery. Today, Pepper Bridge Winery is a benchmark property in Walla Walla and Norm is an icon of the industry. He manages and consults for more than 600 acres of the top vineyard sites in Walla Walla; Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills and Les Collines. Norm also has introduced state of the art irrigation systems, soil moisture temperature monitoring equipment and sustainable farming techniques. Norm is a big believer in sustainable viticulture. All of his vineyards are certified sustainable by VINEA, the Walla Walla Valley's Sustainable Trust, and LIVE, an Oregon-based sustainable viticulture organization. They are also certified Salmon Safe and are monitored by the IOBC, the international body responsible for setting sustainability standards. In 1998, the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers honored Norm as "Grape Grower of the Year." That same year, he was appointed chair of the Washington Wine Commission and served in that position until retiring from the organization in 2001. If there is a Maverick of the Walla Walla wine producers, it would be Norm. — 7 years ago

Ekasit Poositranusorn

9.0

Dark ruby red color with very nice aromas of cherry, licorice, and oak on the nose. Full-bodied togethet with very nice flavors of blackberry, cherry, coffee, and pepper on the palate. Dry, silky tannins, and sustainable length. Straight forward but delicious. — 7 years ago

Lauren Marino

9.3

Beautiful and delicious expression of Zinfandel. Soft tannins and nice structure. Visited in March and impressed by sustainable practices. One of the only vineyards to print ingredients on its label. — 8 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

I have had a Chardonnay from Paragon Vineyard before,and this reminds me of it, quite a lot. It’s a SIP certified sustainable growing site and winemaker Christian Roguenant gets a nice full mouthfeel from the lees and the oak.
The straw-colored wine shows quite a bit of minerality on the nose, to be expected from Edna Valley grapes. The wet rocks and lime aromas are always a pleasure, as the are here. On the palate, there are tropical tones and plenty of citrus along with the beautiful oak effect - the wood is used in a very tasteful way. I vacillate between liking oaky Chardonnays and those with none. This one hits in the middle of the range and could be my favorite - for a while, anyway. — 8 years ago

Tim Sullivan

9.0

Fresh and springy with layers of lime and fresh citrus entwined with basil and lemongrass. Great value for the (low) price. — 9 years ago

Brian McMahon

Sales Polaner Selections

9.2

Varietals: Chenin Blanc
Vineyard: Saini Farms, Dry Creek Valley AVA
Orientation: On the banks of the Dry Creek, North-South facing row direction
Soil: Sandy loam, gravely River bottom
Viticulture: Sustainable - Cordon trellis and dry farmed
Vinification: Fermented in stainless steel
Aging: Aged in neutral barrels for 3-4 months
Production: 408 cases - 750ml and 30 cases - 375ml
Notes: Pale straw color with green reflections. A lovely nose, with aromas of apple, Anjou pear, white jasmine tea and hints of peach and nutmeg. On the palate, orchard fruit and citrus layers mingle with green tropical elements, all supported by crisp, acidity, enlivening minerality and delicate white flower notes. — 9 years ago

Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.1

Most sustainable winery in Italy a joint project between American and some Italians — 10 years ago

Daniela Caniglia

10

Big, cinnamon cherries, full mouth feel. Bang for your buck. Sustainable production 18.63/ FL 12.53/1 restaurant or 5/mm 1case free — 11 years ago

Anya Shapina

9.2

This petit sirah and Syrah blend is really doing it for me - rich, complex and smooth. Very satisfying. I was told it was organic or sustainable, although it’s not on the label. — 6 years ago

Ami Utley

10

So bright and crisp... perfect summer wine! Very inexpensive and grown from sustainable grown grapes!! — 6 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

On the nose, sweet & slightly baked; blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, raspberries & dark cherries. Raspberry cola, perfect intensity of baking spices, soft & savory grilled meats, touch of fresh herbs, just a whiff of pepper, lavender, lilacs and liquid violets. The palate is full bodied, round & lush. The M-M+ tannins are soft and round and about 60% resolved. Gorgeous in the mouth. The fruits are creamy in style. Ripe; blackberries, black plum, plum, black raspberries, raspberries, dark cherries and ripe strawberries. Raspberry cola, vanilla, understated spice, pepper, savoy grilled meats, dry herbs, dry crushed rock powder, a little underbrush, iron pan, loamy dry top soil, some black moist earth, hint of mocha powder, milk chocolate, cigar ash, suede style leather, lavender, lilacs & liquid violets, perfect, round, mouthwatering acidity, great; balance, structure, tension and length. The very long finish is round, lush and has sex appeal. It's drinking really well with a hour/hour & half decant. Better in 1-2 years and has another 4-7 years of really good drinking ahead of it. Great pair with the grilled Kentucky Bourbon marinated chicken skewers and seasoned wild rice. Photos of; Eric Jensen (Owner/Winemaker), tasting room bar, Eric working harvest and the Booker vineyard. Producer notes and history...Booker gets it's name from the two orphan brothers, Claude and Dick Booker, who had purchased the land in the late 1920’s. By the turn of the century, the Booker brothers acquired over 1,200 acres on Paso's westside. The Booker brothers dedicated their lives to being great farmers and humanitarians. Aside from lending their farming knowledge and manual labor to neighbors, they were the area's biggest philanthropists, leaving 100% of their estate to charity when they passed, Dick in 1990 and Claude in 2000. Eric and Lisa Jensen purchased 100 acres of the property in 2001. After making wine with Justin Smith (Saxum) for five years and Stephan Asseo (L'Aventure Wines) for two years, the Jensen's started Booker Vineyard. The 2005 vintage was Eric Jensen first release. Booker produces about 4,500 cases a year depending on what Mother-nature gives them. Booker is located on the westside of Paso Robles, immediately joining the famous Stephan Vineyards that produce L'Aventure Wines. The high-density vineyard is mostly Rhone varieties planted on steep hillsides of calcareous shale. They farm organically, sustainable and biodynamic and treat the entire vineyard as a living organism. Booker uses animals (normally sheep) for weed control and solar panels are placed at the house and winery. The Jensen's are definitely doing things right. If you haven't tried Booker, it's worth your effort. — 7 years ago

with Ronald

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

For more than forty years, Ponzi Vineyards has set the standard for New World Pinot Noir production with many innovations and techniques. All 130 acres of Ponzi vineyards are certified sustainable. Aromas of rich ripe fruit and osk spice, aged for 20 months on 30% New French oak with fruit from Ponzi's Aurora, Abetina and Madrona vineyards. On the palate sweet cherry and berry flavors with candy herb and licorice notes. Lingers on a well balanced frame ending with spice, cedar and mineral tones. — 7 years ago

Kendall Johnson

10

Zesty lime, flint, a touch of sweet passion fruit... and certified sustainable too!! #houseofpurevin — 8 years ago

Kelsey Simmons

9.0

Pretty good... Not too overpowering, so would go well with a variety of foods. Really like that the vineyard uses sustainable practices also! — 9 years ago

Parducci Wine Cellars

10

Crisp, clean aromas and flavors of citrus and melon. — 9 years ago

Elliot Rosen

9.0

An easy drinker with flavors of ripe cherry and raisins and those sugar dots on paper (that I ate like crack as a kid). — 9 years ago

Paige Hansen

9.7

Easy to drink this smooth red blend. Light and delicious with fish, including salmon. — 10 years ago

Matthew Gray

9.0

Delicious, balanced zin from a sustainable winemaker! — 10 years ago

Matthew Gray

9.1

This is a delicious wine from a sustainable, LIVE winemaker. — 11 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.1

Hi Sardegna aka Sardinia how are you making such marvelous SUSTAINABLE AND MINIMALLY MESSED WITH Grenache aka Cannonau wines and still skimming under the radar? Earth like heck. Herbs like hell. Swimming in raspberry juice. What a pool to swim in. — 6 years ago

Isaac Pirolo

9.4

I found a house in St Helena last week and will be moving there at the end of May. I thought I should get acquainted with the neighbors. What better way than a face off?
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Neyers Vineyards 2011 Neyers Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon vs Salvestrin Winery 2013 Salvestrin Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Neyers Ranch is situated in the hills of Conn Valley just east of St Helena, with elevations ranging from 400’ to 1200’ on a south-facing, 50-acre parcel bisected by Conn Creek. Since 1998 Neyers has sustainably farmed this vineyard. Winemaker Tadeo Borchardt started in 2004 as assistant to then winemaker Ehren Jordan.
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This Neyers was highlighted as one of the best of Napa’s 2011s in Jon Bonné’s piece for the SF Chronicle “Lessons from Napa in the trickiest of years” saying it “finds that great Cabernet balance of sleekness and dense flavor” with “pitch-perfect expression” and an “oregano-like herbal side frames its meaty structure and subtle blackcurrant fruit.”
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Since 1932, three generations of Salvestrins have sustainable farmed their vineyard which was originally planted in 1860 by Dr. George Crane. It’s situated immediately south of St Helena High School and along Main St (Hwy 29), surrounding the family winery. Rich Salvestrin farms the vineyard and makes the wine, and his wife Shannon handles the sales and marketing, while they both raise the 4th generation on their farm.
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Robert Parker gushed over the 2013, as “lusty, savory, hedonistic, rich and mouth-filling, with a dense purple color and not a hard edge in sight.” His praise did not stop there, saying that this “blockbuster fruit bomb has complexity, richness and a savory intensity that has to be tasted to be believed.”
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The vintages were so different that it’s difficult to weigh them against each other. Bonné is definitely on point calling the Neyers one of the best examples of 2011 Napa Cabernet. Savory, with rich aromatics of Mexican cocoa powder and mole sauce, reminiscent of Corison’s 2011. To Parker’s credit, the Salvestrin is definitely a blockbuster and a hedonistic fruit bomb, but the savoriness, complexity, and length tone down its showiness, and add a level of decorum that sets it apart. — 6 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The 14 Cabernet is a blend is 82% Cabernet, 9% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. On the nose; ruby, elegant, black berries, black plum, dark cherries, poached strawberries, soft spice, anise, soft baking spices, dark rich soils and red & dark florals. The entry is rich, thick, full bodied elegance. The tannins are M+. Fruits are; blackberries, plum, black plum, dark cherries and black raspberries. Nice spices follow, clove, nutmeg, vanilla, violets & red fresh florals, rich dark soils, leather, tobacco, graphite, crushed dry rocks, underbrush with nice round acidity and a round, lush, elegant finish. Photos of; a wide shot of Pepper Bridge, Artifex custom crush facility, Winemaker, Jean-François Pellet and the view from their terrace. Producer notes...born and raised in Switzerland, Winemaker Jean-François Pellet is a third-generation wine grower. He earned degrees in both enology and viticulture. As part of his studies, he interned in Switzerland, Germany and the Napa Valley. After graduating, he managed vineyards and made wine in Switzerland and Spain. After his time in Europe, his experience and reputation brought him to Heitz Cellars in the Napa Valley, where he worked for four years. Pepper Bridge recruited him out of Heitz and he moved to Walla Walla to become that winery's creative force. His success at Pepper Bridge afforded him the opportunity to join the Amavi partnership. Jean-François Pellet is also a partner in Artifex, the areas very successful custom crush facility. Additionally, he is also a founding member and current vice-president of the Walla Walla Valley's sustainable agriculture organization, VINEA. Quite a resume! It was a pleasure meeting him. He is a very kind person and an extremely knowledgeable Winemaker. Thank you for all of your time & knowledge during our visit.
— 7 years ago

Lucien Matthews

9.5

Very nice Rose. Lovely to drink. Best of the rose. Shiraz. Strawberry flavours — 7 years ago

Shones

8.9

"Marie-Pierre's family has been making wine in the Macon since 1871 and her sustainable vineyards yield some really beautiful, terroir-driven white Burgundies of exceptional value. Her elegant Saint-Véran Chardonnay is super clean and precise, with great minerality and acidity and the tiniest oak influence that just slightly soften out the edges. I love a wine that tastes more expensive than the price tag it wears, and this Chard totally slays! Pair with these quesadillas I recipe-tested last night, or simple charcuterie and fromage. $18" — 8 years ago

Alejandro Lopez

9.4

Producer: #Kamoizumi
Name: #Shushen
Category: #Junmai
Region: #Hiroshima — 9 years ago

Shana Wall

9.3

#ChateauSiaurac #LalandeDePomerol #2009 80% #Merlot 20% #CabFranc #RedCherry #BlackCherry #Raspberry #Blackberry #RedPlum #Cassis #RipeBanana #Menthol #Salty #Cinnamon #Clove Nice #Tannins & #Acidity the Spiciness increased greatly w/my #Tomato #Basil #PastaSauce tonight. Will benefit with extra cellar time. #Clay & #Gravelly #Soil Aged 10-14 months in #FrenchOak Barrels ... no pesticides... #Sustainable #Farming $27.99 from @LeduWines #Nyc #GreatValue #DoIt 👍🍷🍷🍷 #Wino — 9 years ago

Jen Brown

10

Btw. My fav new wine for the label at first, then the wine inside then all the sustainable messaging to make me feel like I improved the world a little by drinking it. Thank you Reid for bein born so I could brin this wine to celebrate with your mama!
— 10 years ago

Matthew Gray

9.1

Such a great deal for this quality. Sustainable. — 10 years ago